Joyce,
Just to add something to Robert's info, I do have one of the external modems that he is referring to.  Mine (at least) requires a serial port on the computer for the connection, which is 9 pins sticking out of the computer.   Whether other versions connect with other cables, I don't know.  The two modems you have are probably internal cards and will connect to your phone line with a standard phone cord.  But if you decide to go external, make sure you have the proper connection available on your new pc.
Paul Hachmeyer  

-----Original Message-----
From: Personal Computer Hardware discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Robert Lendrim
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 4:08 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Phone modems

Hi Joyce,
I would guess that the word "accelerated" is just a marketing term of no importance.
I recall using telephone modems in the early days and a lot of frustation was involved. Various companies were pushing their own technologies and a universal standard did not exist. Eventually the V.90 standard came into use and that made things much better. My problems ended when I got a US Robotics
V.90 external modem. I think the model number was 5686. The later V.92 standard made some small changes and may upload a little faster. USR externals are still available new for about $100 and on Ebay for much less.
There may be other brands that work as well, but the USR externals are plentiful and work very well. I wouldn't use any modem unless it complied with V.90 or V.92. Don't pay attention to "56K", or other useless labels unless it also says V.90 or V.92. I don't know if internal V.90/V.92 models (which fit in a PCI slot) are as good as the larger external models. There used to be "software" internal modems, which were cheaper and not as good as "hardware" modems like the USR external models. Based on my previous experience, I would avoid them.

Back in the day, The BEST WEB SITE FOR INFO WAS 56K.COM. It is still there but hasn't been used as much since broadband came into use. I would look there first for help and technical info, A lot of the info predates V.90, so be careful what you use. Previous, outdated standards could be K56Flex, X2, etc.

A good quality (quiet) phone line is important for high connect speeds. If you search around you can find ways to "listen" to your line. I used to have software that would quantitatively measure the quality of a line, and I could print a report. That helped me to get action from the linemen. They can "switch pairs" in the neighborhood if they are willing to help. If you have two lines in your house, use the quietest one for the modem. If you have trouble using the house wiring, test the computer/modem by using the outside phone line interface. If it works OK outside, the problem may be in the house wiring. You can run direct lines, bypassing poor lines.

It used to be very common to see connections reported incorrectly as "56k".
Modems will never run at a perfect 56000. I seem to recall about 52000 as the best theoretical speed available. I had to see a specific number, such as 49,333 in order to know the true connect speed. My goal would be to get a number above 40000 as close to 50000 as possible. It may be a little different each time it connects. If you listen to the sounds as it negotiates a connection, you may be able to draw some conclusions.

Both of the modems you mentioned appear to be internal modems which would fit in an empty PCI slot, but they may be external. Looks like they both claim V.92 compatibity. You'll need a software driver for them which works with Vista. Getting a driver can be a hassle. The driver may be provided on a CD, may be available on the mfrs web site, or Windows may already have a built-in driver for it. If the modem is old, there may not be a driver made for Vista. I looked at USR.com and they claim the USR externals can be used with Win95 thru Win7. I would be looking for one of them on Ebay, but you could try either or both of your existing modems first. Most of this is from my old memory, but should work OK. I doubt if telephone modem technology has changed much lately.  Good luck.

 Joyce wrote:
>
> > Now my question: do those 'accelerated' phone modems really work for 
> > a
> bit
> > higher-speed connection? (Best I can get out of my old one is 52 K.
> > -- please don't scream! LOL) I have my choice of installing a Best 
> > Data 56K V.92/V.44 Windows Internal Modem -- or a Diamond SupraMax 
> > LE 56K PCI
> Fax
> > Modem which claims 'faster Internet Connections.' Both are new in 
> > box, never opened. Whichever one I install, I can begin using the 
> > newer
> computer
> > > and 'retire' this one (my same old eMachines, Windows XP
> > SP3) to recipes and whatnot. Thanks in advance for any help here.
>
>

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